OBJECTIVETo explore the results of repairing widespread defects of traumatic soft tissue in heel by microvascular anastomotic anterolateral thigh flaps.

METHODSTwenty-six consecutive free anterolateral thigh flaps in 26 patients were transplanted for repairing widespread defects of traumatic soft tissue in heel from October 1997 to March 2005, suturing the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vascular and posterior tibial vascular to reconstruct the blood supply of transplanted flaps, repairing lateral femoral cutaneous nerve to recover their sensation, fixing tensor fasciae in the calcaneum to add their stabilization.

RESULTSAll flaps survived completely,the wounds healed in the initial treatment, follow up 3 to 48 months, twenty-six cases achieved partial sensation, good contour and stabilization.

CONCLUSIONSThe anterolateral thigh flap is an ideal flap for repairing widespread defects of traumatic soft tissue in heel, because it has such advantages as adequate blood supply, big dermatosis area and covert donor site, furthermore, nervi cutaneous femoris lateralis and tensor fasciae offer the good sensation and adequate stabilization.